Once Upon A Dream

Grammy came up to visit us last weekend and to see Gabby dance in the Nutcracker! Thanks for all the love and support! Also...to anyone who didn't know....Grammy is wicked good at Qwirkle!

Gabby tried out to be in Northeast Ballet's Nutcracker back in September. She was cast in the role of a small mouse. She had to practice everyweek, and the shows were this past weekend. She met so many friends and had such a great time that she is already looking forward to going to the audition again next year.

Here is our little mouse....in full costume and getting her make-up done by Michelle. All the girls also got leg warmers....it was something fun for them while waiting in their dressing room during all the dress rehearsals.

The older ballerinas were very sweet and supportive to the younger ones. They came by to deliver treats and encouraging words to the small ones while they waited for their stage time during rehearsals. There two large mice and two small mice cast in the show from Gabby's school. We had to get one shot of all these girls together.

Last minute jitters as the girls are about to go on the stage for the first show. The nutcracker posed with the girls....some girls were to shy to be in the picture....apparently the nutcracker has that effect on some small mice. Even the enemy were quiet as mice as they waited to go onstage.....

Meanwhile, the rest of us were getting ready to see the show. The theatre was packed and the mood was festive.

The kids got to sign a lot of autographs before they left for the cast party. The dinner was fun, and they took a picture with the little girl who played Clara. They also got pictures with Wendy Whelan and Charles Askegard from New York City Ballet.

Gabby with Ms. Myers - the director of the show! Thanks for the wonderful opportunity Ms. Myers.

We got very excited for Christmas last week when we recieved a package of stickers and coloring books etc. Thanks so much, Grandpa Mike and Grandma Cathy! Your timing was perfect.

The Christmas program at church entitled "So this is Love" showcased a lot of different types of love felt during the Christmas holiday. Gillian's group sang "Wrap up Myself for Christmas" and Gabby's group sang "Behold that Star". She also sang "I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus". The girls had a wonderful time rehearsing with their friends and doing the shows.

The kids in Gilli's class made graham cracker houses last week. She was so proud of her work.

We went to breakfast with Santa at the Desmond near the Albany airport. Do you see the picture of Gilli looking extremely excited....that was because of the french toast sticks on the breakfast buffet....not because of Santa. The buffet was very good. The kids went to a bunch of stations to do activities after they ate. They went to a reindeer food making station, face painting station, Christmas story station, write and mail a letter to Santa station, visit and get a picture with Santa station, donate a toy/Marine station and a Christmas caroling station. There was a lot to do.

2nd grade went on a field trip.......it was perfect because they have been studying the constellations and solar system. I just happened to be there to pick up Gabby for a Dr. appt. and took a few pictures. The students were mostly going crazy for this thing called the Bridge of Fire. When you stand on the bridge, you are able to give yourself an electric shock. I tried it, and it hurt.

I made these cookies for Gilli to take to her School Holiday Party. Gilli thought that they were hysterical! They were perfect to eat while reading "What do Snowmen do at Night".....

A group of neighborhood friends got together tonight to go caroling, drink hot chocolate, and eat cookies/cake. What a great way to begin the festivities.

This beautiful concoction of clothing is simply a creation of Gillian's that she wore all day long. I know that you thought that I posted a picture of my child with a pair of underwear on her head, but alas.....just an undershirt. She was almost too funny to talk to seriously for most of the day.

Our Brownies have been working really hard on their Journey this year. They are taking on some interesting projects to earn their Try-its. These are pictures of them hard at work, and presenting some of their individual projects.